13th April 2011
Post 90min Skype group (all 4 members present) discussion the following framework was decided upon
This information has been cut and paste from an adobe connect meeting that was held and information was developed by all 4 group members.

Resources
Merrill, D., Gilbert, C. (2008). Effective peer interaction in a problem-centered instructional strategy, Distance Education. 29(2). 199-207.
merrill article
Rosenberg, M. (2006). Learning through online collaboration. From beyond e-learning : approaches and technologies to enhance organizational knowledge, learning, and performance.
Rosenburg article
Larusson, J. (2009). Wiki’s to support the ‘collaborative’ part of collaborative learning. International Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning. 4(4). 371-402. http://tinyurl.com/3ub933n

Introduction to lesson
Problem centred and Learner centred instructional strategy.

This lesson is based on a comparison of problem and learner centred instructional strategy. The lesson will take the form of discussion groups focused upon three questions relating to the weeks readings listed above. The class will be broken into four groups based on professional background to discuss all three questions moderated by one of the presenters of the lesson. At the conclusion of the lesson each group will report back to the whole class discussing their solutions to the questions posed at the commencement of the lesson.

Objectives
As a result of participation in this lesson students will be able to:
1.Demonstrate a deep understanding of problem and learner centred instructional strategy and the opportunities offered through peer collaboration.
2.Discuss the main issues of problem and learner centred instructional strategy and review peer opinion and solutions to questions posed as part of the lesson.
3.Apply ideas developed to real world problem-centred instructional strategy.
4.Identify the advantages of establishing and managing good online learning communities.
5.Evaluate the use of Wikis as a valuable resource for collaborative learning.

Procedures
During week prior to lesson
  • Issue readings for lesson
  • Students required to provide profession so that groups can be allocated

Actual lesson
  • Adobe connect forum online synchronous meeting
  • Outline the purpose, structure and timeframe of the lesson
  • Issue 3 questions/problems to the students
  • Allow approximately 20 minutes group discussion followed 20 minutes class discussion on groups findings

Problem 1:
Based on the Merrill reading discuss problem based learning vs problem centred learning. What are they? Are they different? How are they different? What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?
2 groups will be provided with much greater scaffoloding and direction in their discussions. The purpose being to then discuss differences, if any, between theirs and the other 2 groups findings. (problem based learning vs problem centred learning)
Problem 2:
Based on the Rosenberg reading discuss what is needed to establish viable learning communities. What is a learning community? Doesn it differ between professions? Is it of use in your profession? How much guidance and ongong input is needed from the facilitator?

Problem 3:
Based on the Larusson reading discuss how effective wikis are as a form of collaborative learning. How helpful has our class wiki been? Do you use other wiki's as part of your chosen profession?

Discussion and final summary/conclusions
Report back to the whole class with results of the discussion groups in a comparative review of problem based learning.
Interactions
Discussion groups with lesson moderator, addressing the three questions set for the lesson.

Additional readings:
Kreijins, K., Kirschner, P. & Jochems, W. (2003) Identifying the pitfalls for social interaction in computer-supported collaborative learning environments: a review of the research. Computers in Human Behaviour. 19 p335-353.
Available at:
http://igitur-archive.library.uu.nl/fss/2006-1214-211040/kirschner_03_identifying_pitfalls_social_interaction_computer_supported.pdf

Stahl, G., Koschmann, T., & Suthers, D. (2006). Computer-supported collaborative learning: An historical
perspective. In R. K. Sawyer (Ed.), Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences (pp. 409-426). Cambridge, UK:
Cambridge University Press. Available at:
http://GerryStahl.net/cscl/CSCL_English.pdf


Gross Davis, B (1993), Tools for Teaching. Jossey Bass Publishers, San Francisco.
Available at:
http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/collaborative.html